Circular tree stand

ABSTRACT

A circular tree stand allows a hunter or wildlife enthusiast to shoot or photograph approaching wildlife. The stand is comprised of a circular deck and a separate circular seat of lesser dimensions. The larger platform is positioned directly below the smaller seat structure. The deck and seat structure allow the user to move a full 360 degrees allowing the user to set up facing approaching wildlife regardless of the side of the tree that the wildlife approaches from.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to tree stands. More specifically the invention relates to a circular tree stand.

[0003] 2. Description of Related Art

[0004] Hunters and photographers have used tree stands to pursue wildlife for recreational purposes for many years. The stand set up allows access to nature in an undisturbed environment and has been very successful in this endeavor.

[0005] The downside to using tree stands as they are presently equipped is that they restrict movement and view to one side of the tree. There is a need for a 360 degree circular tree stand that allows the user to situate their person on any side of the tree. This creates an unfettered view and angle on approaching wildlife. The present invention provides such a devise that is also easily mounted onto a tree.

[0006] Past inventions include some devices with rotating seats but not structures that completely encircle a tree and allow the user to set up on any side of the tree from one stand without moving the stand.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,842,540 describes a device with a rotating seat. This device restricts the user to one side of the tree, therefore creating a blind spot where the tree is located.

[0008] The above invention does not provide a platform or a seat that allows the user full access to all sides of the tree.

[0009] The instant invention as claimed is not described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010]FIG. 1 is a view of one half of the platform.

[0011]FIG. 2 is a view of the adjacent half of the platform.

[0012]FIG. 3 is a cutaway view of the ladder mounting bracket.

[0013]FIG. 4 is a cutaway view of the clamping device.

[0014]FIG. 5 is a full view of the seat assembly.

[0015]FIG. 6 is a detailed view of clamping device and hardware.

[0016]FIG. 7 is a detailed view of the threaded hardware.

[0017]FIG. 8 is a detailed view of the clamp assembly threaded hardware.

[0018]FIG. 9 is a detailed view of the ladder assembly and the platform connection ears.

[0019]FIG. 10 is a detailed view of the seat assembly hinge and mount.

[0020]FIG. 11 is a detailed description of the steel used for the platform.

[0021]FIG. 12 is a detailed description of the steel used for the seat assembly.

[0022]FIG. 13 is an environmentally perspective view of the circular tree stand.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0023] The invention relates to a circular tree stand that allows the hunter or photographer to access unfettered views of approaching wildlife. The seat structure is circular when mounted. The platform structure is circular when mounted.

[0024] FIGS. 1,2,3,4, and 13 of the drawings show various views of the platform structure.

[0025]FIGS. 1,2, and 3 show the ladder mounting bracket. The ladder top is placed in 10 and secured with a pin. The halves in FIGS. 1 and 2 are hoisted by this ladder assembly.

[0026]FIGS. 1 and 2 are attached around the tree by securing the bolts 1,2,3, and 4 through the adjacent holes 1A,2A,3A, and 4A.

[0027]FIGS. 4 and 6 show the clamp that is used to secure the circular platform to the tree. 5 is turned clockwise until the teeth on 7 firmly grip the surface of the tree. 6 is then set tight to prevent 7 from moving.

[0028]FIGS. 1 and 5 show the additional screws. 8 and 9 are turned clockwise until they firmly attach to the surface of the tree.

[0029]FIG. 5 shows the full seat assembly. It is attached in the same manner as the platform after the platform has been secured to the trunk of the tree. The seat assembly is covered by plywood leaving the centers cut out to allow the tree trunk to pass through the center of the seat assembly.

[0030] FIGS. 6,7,8,9,10,11, and 12 show the various steel components that make up the circular tree stand.

[0031]FIG. 13 shows the fully assembled platform structure attached to a tree.

[0032] It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the claims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0033] The invention relates to a circular tree stand that allows the hunter or photographer to access unfettered views of approaching wildlife. The tree stand is comprised of two components that create a seat and a platform when attached to a tree.

[0034] The platform component of the tree stand consists of two semi-circular halves that are placed on the tree by attaching a ladder to each half, raising each half independently, and resting each half against the trunk of the tree. The halves are then clamped together by four bolts, two on the outside ring and two on the inside ring. The clamp is then applied by rotating the T shaped handle clockwise until the teeth on both the clamp and the teeth on the inside of the adjacent half mesh onto the tree. Two additional set screws are then tightened until they rest tightly against the tree to provide additional support.

[0035] The seat structure is then hauled up to the platform by a rope and attached in the same manner allowing the user to sit down with both feet resting securely on the platform.

[0036] It is the objective of the invention to provide a tree stand that is portable and provides a stable platform and seat. The whole invention encircles a tree to provide a full 360 degree stand. 

We claim:
 1. A tree stand, comprising: an upper circular seat having a clamp; a row of teeth attached to the clamp; a row of teeth adjacent to the clamp on the inside of the circular seat; a lower circular platform having a clamp; a row of teeth attached to the clamp; a row of teeth adjacent to the clamp on the inside of the circular platform;
 2. The tree stand described in claim 1, wherein a ladder is attached to the circular platform for mounting. 